Das Flipperhaus

If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Rocklin — something nostalgic, lively, and surprisingly addicting — you’ve got to check out Das Flipperhaus. This place is a pinball lover’s dream, but even if you haven’t played since childhood, you’ll find yourself hooked in no time.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of being introduced to Das Flipperhaus, and I think I might have found my newest hobby. I have always loved playing pinball when I would find a machine amid other games in an arcade, but this place takes it to an entirely new level of fun.

What immediately stood out to me is how clean and well-maintained everything is. Pinball machines can sometimes feel a little sticky or grimy where your hands rest, but that’s never been the case at Das Flipperhaus. Every machine I’ve played has been spotless and in perfect working order. On the rare occasion a machine does go down, it’s repaired quickly — you can tell the owners take real pride in keeping the place in top shape. They also have hand sanitizer readily available in many places, should you like to sanitize your hands before or after you play on a machine (which I appreciate!).

The space itself has a great energy. There are 46 pinball machines in total, plus Skee-Ball and Air Hockey if you want to mix things up. There’s a fun variety of pinball machines, so no matter what kind you love, you’ll find your favorites here.

Another thoughtful touch I really appreciate: cupholders on every single machine. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a big difference when you’re playing with a drink in hand. There’s also a long bar-style counter that runs through the middle of the room, perfect for setting your drinks or snacks while you take a break or chat with friends.

Speaking of drinks, Das Flipperhaus has a great beer and beverage selection. They feature local craft beers and non-alcoholic options to complement your pinball experience. With eight rotating beers on tap and a variety of sodas, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re here for a night out with friends or just want to sip something cold while you play a few rounds.

They do have a small food menu, but it’s definitely more of a “grab something light while you play” type of situation. If you’re hungry for a full meal, I’d suggest eating nearby first and then heading here for games and drinks (might I recommend Kathrin's Biergarten across the street?)

The vibe inside is relaxed and welcoming. The few times I’ve been there, it’s never been too crowded, which makes it easy to play multiple games without waiting around. You can really take your time, enjoy the atmosphere, and settle into the rhythm of the machines.

As for gameplay, the token system is simple and fair. Bring $20 in cash and you’ll get 24 tokens from the change machine. Each game typically costs 1 token (so $1 per play), except their Harry Potter machine, which is 2 tokens since it’s the newest in their lineup — and it’s worth every bit of it. They also take cards at the counter, should you not have cash on hand and would still like to play, but each token is $1.00 at the counter (no additional tokens like from the machine).

My husband and I were able to play for about 2 hours each with our 24 tokens, but the better you get, the longer those tokens last!

If you’re feeling competitive, check out their weekly pinball tournaments, held every Monday at 6:30 pm. These tournaments are IFPA-sanctioned, meaning you can actually earn world points while competing against other local pinball enthusiasts. The format is a head-to-head, three-strike elimination style — fun, fast-paced, and open to all ages and skill levels. It’s only $3 to enter, plus coin drop, and prizes go to the top three players.

The rules are simple:

• Play in turn.

• No playing extra balls (you can plunge but not flip).

• And no “Death Saves” — A death save is when the player nudges the machine to keep the ball from being lost. This can damage the machine, is considered cheating, and can cause a tilt, which disqualifies the player.

Whether you’re a longtime pinball pro or just looking for a fun night out, Das Flipperhaus is such a great local spot to unwind, connect, and have a good time. You can tell it’s run by people who genuinely care about creating a fun, clean, and welcoming space — and that’s exactly the kind of business worth supporting.

If you haven’t been yet, make plans to stop by soon. Bring some cash, grab a handful of tokens, and get ready to flip, laugh, and lose track of time in the best way..

Business Information:

4835 Granite Dr, Rocklin, CA 95677

https://dasflipperhaus.com/

(916) 251-7519

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 5-10 pm

(Monday Tournaments @6:30pm)

Saturday: 12 -10 pm

Sunday: 12-7 pm